Everything Your Heart Desires by Cheryl ([email protected]) and Kristy ([email protected]) Epilogue "I now pronounce you husband and wife." Kristy's face radiated happiness as she gazed into Kevin's smiling green eyes. Today was the day she'd dreamt of her entire life - and it couldn't have been more perfect. From the setting - the fairytale-esque Walt Disney World Wedding Pavilion - to her exquisite Vera Wang original, Kristy looked every bit the princess she'd always wanted to be. The weather of the late spring evening was made-to-order - clear and warm, but with a gentle breeze to make it comfortable. Friends and family from both coasts and everywhere in between had gathered to witness the special occasion. Kevin, dressed in a tailored Armani tux, leaned towards Kristy - hesitating slightly as he glanced towards the priest for permission. "You may kiss the bride," Kristy's cousin, Father William granted with a small chuckle. Kevin and Kristy exchanged a smile before uniting for a tender, sensual kiss. Howie glanced across the altar from where he stood with the other groomsmen to where Cheryl stood alongside Kristy's attendants. The long, sleeveless eggplant dresses were perfect for the formal, evening wedding and looked fabulous on each of the girls. Howie had been having a hard time staying focused on the couple in front of the priest as his eyes kept wandering to his girlfriend. Cheryl and Erin, Kristy's sister and maid of honor, now grinned sheepishly at each other as they each withdrew tissues from their bouquets of lavender and cream tulips to dab the tears of happiness they were shedding. Brian elbowed Howie and the older member bit back a smile as he saw that each of the bridesmaids was as equally teary. Stephanie, Rebecca, Leighanne, Amanda, and Kristy's cousin Nicole were all struggling to stay composed - though none of them were doing a very good job of it. Only Madison, picture-perfect in her flowergirl's dress, was nonplused. The men on Kevin's side of the isle - including his four bandmates, brothers Tim and Gerald, Jr., and new brother-in-law Mark - were also happy for their friends/relatives, but were able to stay relatively dry-eyed. When asked about it later, the few who had to blink back some tears would blame it on the smoke from the numerous candles surrounding the alter. Kristy turned to Erin and hugged her before taking back her bouquet of white roses, lilies, and - of course - tulips. She and Kevin turned to face their guests, both smiling warmly at their parents in the front pews. "I give you Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Kristy Richardson." *~*~*~*~* "So does this mean you're not going to be 'Dr. Butler' anymore?" Kristy's father asked with a mock-pout as he, his wife, and Ann Richardson stood with the newlyweds after they'd finished the receiving line. He was very proud of his eldest daughter's success and dedication - and enjoyed having a "doctor" in the family. "No Daddy," Kristy giggled, using the "daddy card" to reassure him. "Kevin and I agreed that I'm going to go by 'Butler' professionally and 'Richardson' personally." Kristy loved the fact that Kevin supported her career and understood that she had made a reputation in her profession under her maiden name. "Very good," Tim Butler said with a smile at his son-in-law. Kevin returned the older man's smile. He was thankful that both he and Kristy had strong relationships with their families - and each other�s. Kevin and Kristy excused themselves from their parents and rejoined the rest of the wedding party at the tables at the front of the extravagant tent. Like all things Disney, the facilities at the Wedding Pavilion catered to any wedding type or theme you could imagine. And in Kristy and Kevin's case "happily ever after" seemed to be the theme. After dinner, Kristy and Kevin made their way around to visit with their guests. Kevin found himself simply staring at Kristy at times, reassuring himself that the beautiful woman beside him had indeed married him. He was lost in thought when Kristy squeezed his hand and brought him back to reality. "Honey, I think the DJ is trying to get our attention." Kevin led Kristy to the dancefloor. "Kristy and Kevin have requested a special song for their first dance as husband and wife," the DJ announced as the lights in the tent were dimmed; the strands of white Christmas lights arching from the center of the tent to its edges and the candles on the tables provided a magical, romantic atmosphere. "This is truly 'their song'." For as long as I can remember, I've only wanted one thing... To know true love and the happiness it'd bring... Kevin's eyes held Kristy's as her words and his music filled the air. The guests in the room who had never heard the song - or the story behind it - were soon enlightened by those who couldn't help but smile warmly at the attractive couple on the dancefloor. Our eyes met. My heart skipped a beat... I knew you were the one to make me complete... Kristy remembered all the emotions she'd felt when she wrote the poem that had become this special song. As much as she loved Kevin when she'd written this, she loved him even more now. She knew that their love would continue to grow - every day and for the rest of their lives. And now I know what true love means... More magical than any of my wishes or dreams... Kevin also remembered the first time he'd read the words - having had to piece together the puzzle on which it was written first. And he thought of the night he sang "Wherever You Are" to Kristy for the first time - during the Boston concert, after they'd made up from their first big fight. Both Kristy and he had learned a lot about themselves and each other during their relationship... and they continued to grow through their day-to-day experiences. I'm a better person from simply knowing you... Opening my heart and eyes to see the world anew... Kevin lowered his head and captured Kristy's lips in a slow, passionate kiss. She was the person he was born to love. It was as simple as that. We've been given this gift from high above... We know that it's rare... this one perfect love... Side by side or distances far... Remember my heart is wherever you are. *~*~*~*~* "It�s hard to believe how quickly all of this happened," Cheryl said, watching Kristy and Kevin while she danced with A.J. Her partner nodded. "But it just seems like they�ve known one another forever." "Like you and Amanda?" she teased. He smiled broadly as his eyes found his girlfriend talking to Leighanne. "You think you�ll be next after Brian?" "Nah, I�m too�" "Wild and free?" Cheryl quipped with a giggle. "Girl, don�t even go there or I�ll sic Tyke And Lil Leigh on you." He thought for a moment. "Manda and I have a bit more living to do. I�m only a young 22 after all� What about you and D?" "We�ve talked about our relationship many a time and realized that we�re not going to judge �us� by what our friends are doing. We�ll go at our own pace, one that we�re comfortable with." "Sparky, D is one lucky man. I hope he knows that." "Oh, I remind him every once in a while." The two friends laughed. *~*~*~*~* Kristy gave Kevin a mock-warning look as he brought a piece of the wedding cake they'd just cut together towards her mouth. She'd "played nice" and fed him his piece neatly, but saw the twinkle in his eye and suspected she wasn't going to be as fortunate. Kevin fed the vanilla cake to his bride, but managed to "miss" just slightly - getting some frosting on the side of her mouth. And - as he did with the ice cream sandwich in the Magic Kingdom when they were first dating - he "helped" clean it up with a thorough kiss... much to the amusement of their guests. Howie and Cheryl chuckled with the rest of the Boys as they watched the familiar scene. Cheryl saw Kristy smile brightly as the kiss ended, guessing her friend had anticipated what her husband would do. Cheryl giggled again as she saw Tim roll his eyes before he walked forward with the DJ's microphone and clinked a fork against his glass of champagne to get everyone's attention. "Time for the toasts," Tim started, gesturing for Erin to join him near the cake table. "Being Kevin's older brother, when we were growing up he'd get frustrated that I always got to do things before he could. Well, Kevy-Kev," Tim grinned as Kevin once again cringed at his nickname, "You got to do something before me this time." Kevin smiled at Kristy, then his brother. "Although," Tim paused for effect, "I saw her first." Kristy giggled as Tim turned his gaze to her. "Kristy and I met on a flight to Orlando - I was coming to visit Kevin, and she was moving here. Somehow - though I certainly can't explain it - she managed to resist my remarkable charms." The wedding guest laughed along with the bride and groom as Tim grinned. "I think I had a clue even in the beginning that she and Kevin would get along. Maybe it was the way her face just lit up when they played a Backstreet Boys video on the plane. Or how Kevin practically hurt himself craning his neck as she and Cheryl drove by outside the airport." Kristy sent her husband a surprised look to which he only shrugged and kissed her on the temple. Tim continued with his story. "The next night when Kevin and I ran into Kristy and Cheryl at a club, any question I may have had about their 'potential' was answered when these two first saw each other." Tim smiled affectionately at his brother and Kristy and "translated" for the rest of the room. "Their eyes locked and the both froze a bit... it was like the rest of the club didn't exist. Watching you guys that first night, I knew something special was happening... and it was obvious that you knew it too." Tim raised his glass to the couple. "May your love and friendship continue to grow and deepen over the years." Kristy and Kevin linked arms and drank from their glasses as the photographer snapped more pictures of the couple and their guests applauded. Tim waited until they were done, then added, "And may your future be as bright as the fireworks you saw at midnight when you first kissed... both the ones in the sky and the ones in your heads!" A giggling Erin accepted the microphone from Tim. "Although I have a lot of 'Kristy stories' I could share with you, I don't have very many 'Kristy and Kevin stories'... yet. So I'm going wish you both the best and pass my toast to Kristy's now-ex-roommate, Cheryl. I love you guys." "Like Tim, I was there from the beginning and got to see 'this'," Cheryl gestured to the couple in question, "Become what we have today." Kristy smiled warmly at her best friend. "Kristy and Kevin really owe Disney a special thanks in bringing them together. Not only was Disney where Kevin first got his start in show business, but its medical center brought Kristy to Orlando. "Disney themeparks and attractions have also been instrumental in their courtship," Cheryl paused and began to detail Disney's involvement, recognizing much of the same applied to her and Howie. "They met - and as Tim alluded to, had their first kiss - at Pleasure Island. They spent the next day at Typhoon Lagoon where they swam, snorkled, and surfed... in-between kisses." Kristy blushed prettily, causing Kevin to chuckle and kiss her right then. "Dinner that night was near here," Cheryl said, pointing across the water to the Polynesian Resort, "Complete with some wonderful entertainment by the guys." Kristy and Cheryl giggled as this time Kevin and Howie turned a little pink. "The Magic Kingdom itself holds special significance for Kristy and Kevin. During our visit when she and I were officially introduced to Brian, A.J., and Nick, Kristy helped 'guide' us all through the park as only a true Disney fanatic can. And that day we all earned our mouse ears - and new nicknames... something none of us will ever forget." Cheryl and Kristy both looked around at the smiling faces of the 'Boys' they called their friends. "And as anyone who's spent time around these two could tell you, Kevin refers to Kristy as his 'Princess'... making Fantasy Land a particular favorite place of theirs." Kristy smiled up at Kevin as he fingered the tiara-style headpiece she wore in her upswept, curled hair. "Of course, there's also the Haunted Mansion, right Kris?" The two friends giggled as Howie and Kevin both smiled broadly at that memory. "And Kristy - following one of her many 'performances' - showed us that she didn't really need Kevin's 'coaching' to dominate at putt-putt golf at Fantasia Gardens." Cheryl raised her glass to the couple as she came to the toast-part of her speech. "So thank you, Disney for providing the background for this story. Not many people have ever had the opportunity to be involved in a real-life fairytale, but anyone who's been a part of Kristy and Kevin's relationship can say that they have. May you two live 'happily ever after'... if anyone deserves it, it's you guys!" Kevin led Kristy back onto the dance floor as the DJ extended an invitation for everyone to join the couple on the floor for one of their favorite songs. Kristy sighed as Kevin pulled her into his arms with Tim McGraw's voice washing over them. From the first time she'd heard the song the country singer dedicated to his wife Faith Hill, she'd thought it was beautiful, but when she and Kevin fell in love, she realized how perfectly the lyrics fit their relationship too. They were more than just lovers... or even soulmates. They were best friends. You're more than a lover There could never be another To make me feel the way you do Oh, we just get closer I fall in love all over Every time I look at you I don't where I'd be Without you here with me Life with you makes perfect sense You're my best friend You're my best friend, oh yeah Kevin pulled back slightly as he heard a small sniffle. He cupped the side of her face and tipped her head to look at him. His eyes grew wide with concern as they met her tear-filled hazel ones. "Princess, are you okay?" Kevin whispered. Kristy smiled and nodded her head to reassure him. "I love you so very much," Kristy whispered, making Kevin smile. "What would my life be without you?" "You�ll never have to worry about that, Kristy Richardson." Kevin lowered his head and kissed her sensually. You stand beside me You believe in me Like nobody ever has When my world goes crazy You're right there to save me And make me see how much I have And I still tremble When we touch Oh, the look in your eyes When we make love Kevin caressed the side of her face with his hand and lowered his head to hers, drawing their lips together once again. He loved the woman in his arms with everything he was. He felt the same thrill and warmth go through him each time they kissed - if anything, it effected him more as their love grew. You're more than a lover There could never be another To make me feel the way you do Oh, we just get closer I fall in love all over Every time I look at you I don't where I'd be Without you here with me Life with you makes perfect sense You're my best friend Oh, you're my best friend, oh yeah *~*~*~*~* Cheryl was sitting with Paula, Hoke, and Howie as the reception was winding down. Kristy and Kevin were scheduled to head out on their honeymoon in an hour�s time. The DJ interrupted the festivities then to announce the traditional garter toss followed by the throwing of the bouquet. The lights in the room brightened as Tim called all the single men to the stage area. "Go, son," Hoke prodded. "That means you." Embarrassed, Howie rose, grabbed his brother John and A.J. and joined the crowd at the stage. Kevin leaned over to whisper something in Kristy�s ear, causing her to blush before he bent to lift the hem of her gown and removed the lacy garter from her left leg. He promptly turned to the eligible bachelors and, like a little boy snapping a rubber band, slung the garter into the crowd where it was caught by A.J. McLean. Cheryl laughed remembering their earlier conversation. "Bone, is there something you aren�t telling us?" Brian teased. Amanda rescued her boyfriend saying, "You read too many fan websites, Mr. Littrell." "Alright, ladies, your turn." "Come on, Cher, that�s our cue." Pollyanna grabbed the redhead by the hand and dragged her into the middle of the crowd � which also included Erin, Amanda, and Stephanie. Leighanne held Brian�s hand on the sidelines. Howie�s sister winked at the others surrounding her as Kristy blindly tossed the bouquet of tulips over her shoulder. Cheryl would remember the moment. She felt those around her move away and despite her overwhelming curiosity about the situation, she still managed to catch the flowers. She turned to share her victory with Polly� �The crowd that surrounded her only seconds before had dissipated and the room had grown silent. She wondered for a moment then gasped as her eyes fell on her boyfriend. Howie was kneeling before her on one knee. His face wore the case of nervousness he felt but his brown eyes shown only with love. He held in his hand an open velvet box. An Irish claddaugh ring � the hands holding a diamond in the shape of a heart � was nestled in the satin. Cheryl couldn�t breathe as he took her left hand and gave her a slight smile. "Cher� B� I..." She didn�t give him the time to finish the question. "Yes, Howie." Her answer helped him relax. "Geez, girl, I haven�t even asked the question yet. This isn�t Jeopardy." Howie took a deep breath. "I love you with my entire being and I hate how empty I feel when we�re not together. I just can�t imagine my life without you. Cheryl, mi bella, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" The tears clouded her vision. "Oh, Howie, yes." He slid the ring on her finger, making certain the heart faced toward her body, then stood and enveloped her in his embrace. "Hold up, D," A.J. interrupted. "I believe you should have the honor of putting this on." He offered his friend the garter. The other boys egged Howie on as he slipped the garter over Cheryl�s stocking foot up her calf and over her knee to her thigh. Having completed his duty, Howie rose once more and finally sealed their engagement with a kiss. Applause erupted from the other guest as the DJ spun his next tune � coincidentally � Lionel Richie�s "Truly." While they danced, Cheryl twisted a curl from Howie�s ponytail around her finger. She leaned her mouth closer to his ear and whispered, "Thank you." "No, B, thank you for making me so happy. I love you." "I love you, too." *~*~*~*~* On the side of the dance floor, A.J., Nick, and Brian stood and observed an embracing, kissing Howie and Cheryl in the center of the floor. A.J. smiled at his best friend, then pulled his girlfriend to him for a lingering kiss. Leighanne joined Brian and gestured towards his cousin as Kevin pulled Kristy into his arms and they joined the other couple on the dancefloor. The newlyweds appeared to be unaware that anyone else existed as they gazed into each other's eyes and leaned in for a passionate kiss. Brian wrapped his arms around his fianc�e and drew her lips to his for a sensual kiss. Nick shoved his hands into his pockets as he looked to his left at his best friend and Leighanne, then to his right where A.J. and Amanda remained embraced. He turned his attention to the dancefloor and newly-engaged couple of Howie and Cheryl who continued to exchange small, sweet kisses in-between whispered proclamations of love. Lastly there was Kevin and Kristy, who - from the looks of things - wouldn't be staying at their reception much longer as their kisses became longer and more intense. Nick shook his head with a reluctant smile. "Oh, God... I hope this isn't contagious." The End!!!! Sequel(#1): Blessed: Howie and Cheryl -FanFics -Home